Presidential Transitions Need a Stronger Foundation
Back in the 1960s, Congress tried to ensure smooth transitions of presidential power. But the fix contained a rather large weakness.
The General Services Administration holds the keys to Biden’s transition.
Photographer: Angela Weiss/Getty Images
In normal times, presidential transfers of power are not a great source of public drama. The outgoing president pledges to help the incoming one, and a transition team sets up shop next to the White House as it gets ready to assume power.
But these aren’t normal times. While an earlier generation of leaders anticipated the potential for the kind of mischief being practiced by President Donald Trump and his allies, it’s only now becoming clear that they also fell short. The price is measured in the hours and days between now and Inauguration Day, when President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to take office.